NAFDAC Rejects Claims Of Approving Herbal Tea That Promotes Smoking.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly denied allegations that it approved a herbal tea product claiming to make smoking “healthy.” The agency issued a statement refuting a misleading video circulating on social media, which falsely suggested that NAFDAC had endorsed a product known as Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride).
In a statement released by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the agency clarified that the product in question is not registered with NAFDAC and that the claims made in the video are “false, baseless, and completely unfounded.” The agency revealed that in 2023, an individual submitted an application to register an “anti-smoke and lung detox tea” at NAFDAC’s Lagos State Office. However, the application was promptly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and potentially harmful claim that the product could render smoking safe. The applicant was asked to provide scientific evidence to support the claims but failed to resubmit the product for further evaluation.
NAFDAC stressed its commitment to protecting public health, stating that it strictly adheres to scientific and professional standards as outlined in the NAFDAC Act Cap N1 LFN 2004. The agency evaluates all products—food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals—for safety, quality, and efficacy before granting approval. It also prohibits the use of organ imagery on product packaging, a rule violated by the misleading product in question. Prof. Adeyeye emphasised that herbal products or similar items are not permitted to make therapeutic claims unless supported by rigorous clinical trials.
The agency condemned the deceptive marketing tactics associated with the product, describing them as a threat to public health. “As a science-driven regulatory body, NAFDAC will never permit the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, or use of products with claims that lack scientific basis,” the statement read. The agency also refuted allegations of financial inducement made in the video, noting that its Legal Services Directorate is reviewing the defamatory claims and may pursue legal action.
NAFDAC urged the public to disregard the misleading video and to report any suspicious products or claims through its official channels, including the toll-free number 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. The agency reiterated its resolve to take decisive action against individuals or entities attempting to compromise public health standards. “We remain steadfast in our mandate to ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved,” Prof. Adeyeye concluded, calling for public cooperation to safeguard the health and safety of all Nigerians.